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For players like former Oklahoma scat back Roy Finch, NFL preseason finales aren’t a meaningless game in which Pro Bowl players appear for only a series or two, if they play at all.

New England’s preseason finale Thursday night against the New York Giants is Finch’s final opportunity to make an impression before coach Bill Belichick and his staff whittle the roster to 53 players before Saturday’s cut deadline.

“I don’t really want to change up anything that I’ve done to get to this point,” Finch said in a telephone interview with The Oklahoman. “I’m just trying to work hard and show them I can contribute. I look at this as my new family.”

Patriots beat writers project Finch will be one of the final cuts but probably will be re-signed to New England’s practice squad on Sunday.

The most important person in the decision-making process could be Patriots special teams coach Scott O’Brien since Finch’s best shot to make the team is as a returner.

The Patriots have an elite punt returner in Julian Edelman, but New England has been subpar on kickoff returns. Heading into Thursday’s preseason finale, Finch has averaged 5.5 yards on two punt returns and 25.0 yards on three kickoff returns.

“In the NFL, special teams can lead to offensive opportunities,” Finch said. “The key on returns is to not try to do too much. You have to let a return set up and then try to make a big play.”

The Edmond North product has rushed for 52 yards on 10 preseason carries, averaging a team-high 5.2 yards per attempt. He also has five receptions for 55 yards.

“I’ve been involved in the offense here and there,” Finch said. “I know special teams are important, but I want to be part of the offense, too. When I get an opportunity on offense I need to make the most of it.”

Link to his projected 53
What he said about the running backs
Running back (5) – Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, James White, James Develin, Roy Finch.
Analysis: As Belichick would say, the status is quo here for me. There are some who think that Ridley could be in trouble, but I just don’t see any other options as a lead back in the mix. I still think the team will be on the lookout for a ball carrier through either trades or the waiver wire and an addition that way could indeed make Ridley more expendable. Brandon Bolden missing the third preseason game is just the latest example of his unreliability. I continue to think he’s the odd man out with Finch getting a shot as a returner and playmaking athlete.

Roy Finch tonight, led the team in receiving yards with 34 yards on 2 catches, Roy had 7 carries for 37 yards and 1 touchdown, here is the TD On kick returns he had 2, avg 26 per return, long of 31 yards.

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I feel bad for Finch, I really do. He has a lot of potential, and his explosive talent jumped out at multiple junctures in yesterday’s contest. But if you fumble the ball in Foxboro, you are going to have a tough time staying on this team. Finch was holding the ball way out from his body, and unsurprisingly, he coughed it up. He later muffed a punt, although he did manage to fall on it himself.